Walking through the best of the Balkans
Walking through the best of the Balkans
Discover the Peaks of the Balkans, an experience featuring glacial lakes, high-mountain panoramas, and the warm hospitality of local communities—all in the heart of the border mountains between Albania and Montenegro. You’ll be able to walk through green meadows, visit waterfalls, and cool off in natural pools.
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Begin in the historic city of Shkodër, the gateway to the Albanian Alps, with time to explore its lively center before venturing into the mountains.
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Cruise along the spectacular Lake Koman, a lake surrounded by steep canyons that offers one of the most scenic routes to reach Valbona Valley National Park.
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Explore the breathtaking Grbaja Valley and Ropojana Valley, surrounded by limestone towers and sharp peaks that define this mountain range.
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Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine: artisanal cheeses, freshly baked homemade bread, and hearty local dishes prepared with ingredients from the villages themselves.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Shkodër
The first day begins with your arrival at Tirana Airport. From there, you will have an included transfer to Shkodër, considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Afterward, you will have time to stroll through the city’s pedestrian area, surrounded by elegant historic buildings that reflect its cultural and commercial past. You can explore its lively atmosphere, visit the local bazaar, or head to the iconic Rozafa Castle, where you will enjoy magnificent views of the valleys and mountains you will explore in the coming days.
Overnight in Shkodër
Hotel Tradita
This traditional Albanian-style accommodation features comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It offers a spacious terrace as well as a locally renowned restaurant, where you can taste homemade specialties.
Day 2 - Shkodër to Valbonë
Today marks the beginning of your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. You will start with an included transfer from Shkodër to Lake Koman. Then, you will board a ferry that winds between steep rocky cliffs, offering one of the most spectacular routes into the Albanian Alps. During the journey, the boat makes stops to pick up locals in small villages, allowing you to observe daily life in these remote areas.
Upon arrival in Fierze, you will continue with an included transfer to Valbonë, enjoying a scenic drive as you begin to discover the valley, known for its stone tower houses and unspoiled mountain landscapes.
To end the day, you will enjoy traditional mountain cuisine, with local cheeses, homemade bread, and typical dishes that will help you recharge your energy for the days ahead.
Overnight in Valbonë
Vila Dini
Surrounded by a beautiful setting, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It features a restaurant and bar, as well as a terrace with scenic views.
Day 3 - Valbonë to Çerem 8,1 miles | 13 km
During the hike, you will pass a unique cave and cross a karst labyrinth before returning to Albania, enjoying increasingly wide panoramas of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The stage ends in the village of Çerem, a remote refuge considered the last stop before entering true wilderness.
Here, you will enjoy warm homemade meals and the genuine hospitality of your hosts, a simple comfort that contrasts with the intensity of the landscape.
In case of adverse weather conditions that prevent crossing The Pass, there is a shorter alternative route through the Mount Kollata Canyon, which will still lead you to the guesthouse without missing the magic of the surroundings.
Overnight in Çerem
VITA Guesthouse
Surrounded by an idyllic landscape, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, or halal options.
Day 4 - Çerem to Plav 14,5 miles | 23,4 km
The day begins in the peaceful and remote village of Çerem, in the middle of the Balkan Alps, where the murmur of tall grass and the scent of the forest announce a day full of nature. From the very first step, the trail gently ascends through clearings and wooded corners, awakening the feeling of moving deeper into a wild and authentic landscape. As you walk, the views progressively open over the nearby valleys and mountains, and the steady rhythm of your steps allows you to connect with the immensity of the surrounding mountains.
Little by little, the path gains elevation and winds through gentle slopes and mountain meadows. The atmosphere changes continuously, from wooded areas to open heights with panoramic views that invite you to stop and contemplate the grandeur of the surroundings.
In the final part of the stage, the trail descends toward the valley that embraces the city of Plav, framed by mountains and reflected in the waters of its nearby lake. Upon arrival, you can take a walk around Lake Plav, admire the traditional architecture of the town, or enjoy a coffee in the central square while contemplating the mountains you have just crossed.
Overnight in Plav
Elan Luxury Apartments & Rooms
Located in the center of Plav, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also features a restaurant and bar, perfect for relaxing after the day’s activities.
Day 5 - Plav to Vusanje 13,6 miles | 22 km
The day begins in the charming town of Plav, where the reflections of the lake and the surrounding mountains anticipate the adventure that awaits you. From the center of the town, the trail gently ascends through forests and rural paths, leaving behind houses and fields as you enter wild nature. As you continue, the landscape gradually opens, revealing meadows and distant views that invite you to pause and contemplate the immensity of the region.
The most demanding part of the stage begins after the pass, when climbing Mount Borit to the south, but the reward is worth every effort, and from the summit you will enjoy incredible views of Plav and the lake. Tall pastures, eroded rocks, and small springs accompany the ascent, reflecting the authenticity and ruggedness of this alpine environment.
The descent toward Vusanje crosses meadows dotted with wildflowers and shepherds’ huts, while the atmosphere slowly shifts toward a more inhabited environment. Upon arrival in the village, you will feel the tranquility of this small mountain settlement, where you can rest, interact with the local community, and enjoy the hospitality that characterizes this region before continuing your journey through the Balkan Alps.
Overnight in Vusanje
Guest House Kollata
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this accommodation offers private rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, or halal options.
Day 6 - Vusanje to Theth 12,2 miles | 19,6 km
The day begins by leaving Vusanje and entering the impressive Ropojana Valley, a 26 km glacial corridor that winds between mountains covered with forests and alpine pastures. The trail first leads to a karst spring called Oko Skakavice, where an icy river emerges from the melting snow at higher altitudes, offering a natural spectacle of freshness and purity.
Further along, passing near Lake Gjeshtare, you can observe a weathered border stone, the only remaining trace of the former strict borders of communist Albania.
After crossing dense forests, the terrain opens into a vast alpine meadow dotted with shepherds’ huts and an abandoned military post, silent witnesses to the history and traditional life in these mountains. The walk continues ascending to the Peja Pass (1711 m), from where breathtaking panoramic views unfold over the surrounding valleys. The descent will finally take you to Theth, the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Overnight in Theth
Trojet e Mija
This accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It is also surrounded by a garden and features a restaurant and bar.
Day 7 - Theth to Tirana 4,8 miles | 7,8 km
Start this final day with a short walk through the picturesque village of Theth, among traditional houses and cultivated fields, leading you to some of its most emblematic landmarks, such as the iconic church and the historic isolation tower (kulla), where you can learn more about the ancient blood feuds and the Kanun, the traditional code of laws that for centuries regulated life in these mountains.
In Theth, you will begin walking along a trail that leads toward Nderlysaj. The path first ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, whose waters fall between rock walls in one of the valley’s most well-known natural spots. Shortly afterward, the trail follows an impressive cliff rising above the Grunas Canyon, about 50 meters deep, offering spectacular views of the gorge.
An old horse trail descends gently along the river until reaching the small settlement of Nderlysaj, where you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself with a swim in its cold, crystal-clear mountain waters.
From here, an included transfer will take you across the Thore Pass (1630 m) toward the Bogë Valley, continuing afterward along Lake Shkodër until you finally reach Tirana. The capital offers a very different atmosphere from the mountains you have traveled, being a vibrant and modern city that reflects another side of Albania.
Overnight in Tirana
Marinaj Hotel & SPA
This modern accommodation features air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also offers a restaurant and bar.
Day 8 - Tirana
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Ferries as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking route, we recommend flying to Tirana Airport. From there, you will have a transfer included to Shkodër, where you will spend the first two nights.
To return to your home city from Tirana, we recommend flying from Tirana Airport. You will have a transfer included that will take you from Tirana to the airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
This trip can be undertaken between June and September, when conditions are most favorable for hiking the trails. During these months, the high mountain paths are usually free of snow, and the alpine valleys display their greenest and most open landscapes. The period with the most stable weather typically occurs between July and September, when mild and sunny days prevail, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views.